A systematic review of the benefits of home telecare for frail elderly people and those with long-term conditions
Author(s)
BARLOW James, et al
Publisher(s):
Sage
This systematic review of 68 randomised controlled trials and 30 large scale observational studies, two-thirds from the USA and 10% from the UK, finds that the most effective telecare interventions appear to be automated vital signs monitoring (for reducing health service use) and telephone follow-up by nurses (for improving clinical indicators and reducing health service use). The cost-effectiveness of these interventions is less certain. Far less evidence about mental health conditions, such as dementia or depression, was found than for physical health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. In addition, very few studies were found on the effects of home safety and security systems such as fall detectors and alarm systems, despite their widespread use.
